News Details

Brady praises Sen. Karen McConnaughay as she heads to Israel to represent Illinois as a member of NCSL

4/26/2018

As a member of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ international task force, State Senator Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) will be the only Illinois lawmaker representing the state at a leadership conference in Israel. Several state lawmakers from around the country will be a part of a delegation visiting Israel to learn, identify, and appreciate Israel’s democratic values.

“I am proud to have one of our own representing Illinois as a delegate to Israel,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady. “Bipartisan opportunities such as these help foster a better understanding of the issues we face here at home and internationally. Sen. McConnaughay will be participating in some very important conversations and will bring back a better understanding of the importance of the relationships created between Israel and Illinois.”

While in Israel, Sen. McConnaughay says she hopes to build upon the partnerships already taking place. In November, Governor Rauner visited Israel and established a partnership with Technicon, Israel’s most prominent technology university, and the University of Illinois system to participate in joint research projects. That trip also included a meeting with business executives from Illinois-based company—Motorola Solutions Israel. Furthermore, Rauner spent much of his time meeting with other business groups in an effort to attract them to expand their companies and research in Illinois.

Sen. McConnaughay says she hopes to continue to push that message during her trip, and hopes to engage in discussions that will build bridges for further research collaborations and expand business ties.

“The partnerships and relationships we are forging in Israel are something that can really pay off for the people here in Illinois,” said Sen. McConnaughay. “I look forward to continuing on our path of collaboration.”

The delegation is a collaborative effort between the America-Israel Friendship League, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel.